Open secrets
Toolbox
Published: October 27, 2009
The success of the Rutland County Women's Network and Shelter is cause for both celebration and contemplation. We can celebrate that after 30 years of service the organization has proven itself so successful in helping women and families. But it is cause for sober contemplation that the need for the shelter's services remains as crucial as ever.
One of the important changes in American society over the past few decades has been greater openness about a host of social problems. New generations may forget the taboo that in the past quashed the discussion of domestic violence and other pathologies.
Domestic violence was often viewed as a private matter. It was understood that women sometimes suffered at the hands of cruel men. It had always been that way.
But one consequence of the women's movement, which gathered momentum in the 1970s, was greater openness about domestic violence. Thus, in 1979 women's advocates in Rutland established the Battered Women's Shelter. The current director of the shelter noted that in its early days the women who ran the shelter were called "man-haters." But progress is never easy when combating ancient prejudices.
Over time the pathologies of domestic violence became widely discussed. We learned how some men use violence to intimidate and control so that their partners don't even know they are being victimized.
The women come to believe they are being disloyal if they seek to protect themselves or their children. Often it is a frightening choice for a woman to turn to someone outside the family or relationship for protection. But it is sometimes the only recourse.
The Rutland shelter has changed its name and expanded its services over the years. The organization now operates a 20-bed home, where women, men and children can come in a crisis, getting help in starting a new life free of violence.
It is especially important for children that their parents have a way to break the hold of an abusive partner. This is not a fringe service limited to a few sad cases. Last year the group helped 5,000 clients, including people staying at the shelter or availing themselves of clinics, hotline, food shelf or other services. That number reflects instances of assistance and does not count 5,000 separate individuals. But it is an astonishing number, demonstrating that an increasing number of people are aware that help is available.
The organization held a 30-year celebration on Saturday in Main Street Park, which ran afoul of rainy weather. But Miche Chamberlain, executive director of the Rutland County Women's Network and Shelter, was hoping, nevertheless, to express appreciation for the community's support over the years.
The story of the last half century in the United States has been in part the recognition of our society's open secrets. Beginning with the civil rights movement, the nation was forced to confront racism, sexism, homophobia, sexual abuse and other pathologies. Violence has attended all of these forms of oppression, and silence was the principal ally of those seeking to oppress.
We have become so accustomed to hearing all of these problems discussed openly that we may have become jaded. Without frequent reminders it would be possible to take for granted the important work of organizations such as the Rutland Women's Network and Shelter.
But as a mental exercise, imagine what life in Rutland County would be like if the shelter didn't exist. Women who have come under the control of abusive partners often lack resources to get away, and without the shelter they would have to continue to endure abuse silently, or hit the road, homeless, kids in tow.
The presence in our community of the Women's Network and Shelter reminds that the need for help, unfortunately, is still there. Indeed, the continuing need for the shelter's services is a sign that violence is part of the human condition, but that so is compassion.
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